In the day when Jesus was born the shepherds were not the most popular people.
They were considered out casts. Dirty. Not necessarily socialized we could even say they were marginalized people.
Yet the angels came to them first.
In the night as they were watching their sheep.
They were rough and mean. The the role of a shepherd was to fight off intruders or predators that might want to hurt their flock of sheep.
The were fearless. They were used to being out in the dark following and chasing off shadows of threat or intent.
When the angels came the word tells us they were ‘terrified’.
That is a strong word describing their state of behavior.
Luke 2:8-12 (msg)
There were sheepherders (shepherds) camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them.
They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”
They were terrified.
(Those rough and tough men who would fight off lions or other predators were terrified when they saw the Glorious angels.)
13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
“Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.”
19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.
The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen.
It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Can you even imagine being the first ones told about the birth of the baby?
The Savior, Messiah?
They were chosen as outcasts to be very important.
Isn’t it like God to do that?
Hope comes to all of us no matter where we are in life.
Glory to God…God chooses us in spite of what others say or what we say about ourselves.
He found value and chose them to see and hear so they could be credible witnesses to the special birth.
Isn’t it wonderful to be chosen?
